Measles Are on the Rise in the U.S. — but Insurance Puts Vaccines In Reach for Many Americans

With flu season still in high gear in many parts of the country, Americans have another circulating virus to worry about: Measles.

According to the CDC, there have been 222 reported cases of measles in 12 states so far this year, as of March 6. (For comparison, there were only 285 total measles cases reported in 2024.)

The CDC goes on to report that 93% of these 2025 cases are associated with an outbreak — that is, a cluster of at least three reported cases in one area. The largest share of cases, 45%, are affecting patients between the ages of 5 and 19.

Where are the active measles outbreaks in 2025?

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that causes cold-like symptoms (such as a cough, runny nose and high fever) and often develops into a red rash that can spread over the entire body. Although many patients recover from measles, the disease can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, blindness, encephalitis and even death.

Current measles cases have been reported in the following cities and states, according to the CDC:

The CDC also mentions that some 94% of the patients suffering from measles in 2025 are either unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status. There has been one confirmed death from the disease this year so far.

What to do about measles — for yourself and your kids

Fortunately, measles is a disease that can be vaccinated against — and the vaccines are both safe and effective. In fact, before the measles vaccination became available in 1963, about 3 to 4 million annual infections were expected. Today, several hundred make the news.

The vaccine protocol against measles is two doses of either MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) or MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella [chickenpox]) vaccines. For children, the first dose is recommended between 12 and 15 months of age, while the second is recommended between ages 4 and 6.

Vaccines should be available for children through your insurance plan, regardless of whether it’s through your employer or the ACA marketplace. And if you’re low-income or looking for child-only coverage, consider Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Most people have immunity against these diseases for life once they’ve been vaccinated. But if you’re an unvaccinated adult (or you’re not sure of your vaccination status), your doctor can help you take steps to prevent illness.

Unvaccinated adults on ACA-approved private health insurance plans have coverage for MMR vaccination. This is recommended for unvaccinated adults between 18 and 58 years of age, as well as anyone traveling internationally. When administered in adults, the shots should be taken at least 28 days apart.

If you’re unsure whether you’ve been vaccinated or not, talk to your doctor. They may be able to determine with a blood test whether or not you’ve received immunization, and can take steps to get you the prevention you need if you haven’t.